Chinese travel agencies entangled in international intrigue
Chinese travel agencies have become entangled in the GlaxoSmithKline bribery case, accused of laundering half a billion dollars in illegal payments to Chinese officials by the British drugmaker.
GSK has been accused of transferring as much as 3 billion yuan ($489 million) to more than 700 travel agencies and consultancies, who then passed the money to Chinese officials and doctors.
The bribery, designed to boost sales and prices of GSK medicines in the huge and lucrative Chinese market.
Four senior GSK executives have been arrested; the Ministry of Public Security said they have confessed to bribery and tax evasion.
The People’s Daily newspaper said the travel agencies billed GSK for phony "conference services" and then used some of the money on bribes.
It it is unusual for the police to disclose so much information during an investigation, Reuters noted, and the fact that they have done so indicates they feel they have a solid case.
By Cheryl Rosen
Cheryl
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.

































Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025